The SeaCAS SafePassage AIS uses the Automatic Identification System (AIS) of the International Maritime Organization to provide private-boat anglers with critical safety information about nearby commercial ships. SafePassage receives and displays the data commercial ships broadcast to help avoid collisions at sea. Using AIS-compatible software, radar or chart plotter, the SafePassage plots the position, course, speed, heading and rate of turn of nearby commercial ships every two to ten seconds, and updates other information every six minutes. Designed for the recreational boater, the receive-only device includes a dual-band AIS receiver and DGPS and sells for $1,250. SeaCAS; (206) 850-7664; www.seacas.com

Squawk Box

The Northstar NS100 VHF is a black-box radio available in single- and dual-station models. The NS100 provides access to all U.S. and Canadian channels, including weather bands, and has a favorite-channels key. The NS100 includes the latest DSC SC-101 functions and the dedicated distress-call button automatically transmits the Marine Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number and position information until acknowledgement is received. The dual-station model has an intercom function and can accept a hailer. The single-station NS100 has a suggested price of $600, while the dual-station setup is $930. Northstar; (800) 628-4487; www.northstarnav.com